A couple's dream holiday to celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary has turned into a nightmare.

Nicola and Kevin Gearey jetted out to the Greek island of Kefalonia on Wednesday, looking forward to a romantic break.

But they came down from their hotel room on Thursday morning to discover signs warning of seriously bad weather.

A rare Mediterranean storm, which is known as a 'medicane’, was headed their way and guests were being warned to stay indoors.

Winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain hit the island yesterday, flooding parts of the hotel and battering the area around the pool.

The hotel remains without electricity on Saturday morning.

Mrs Gearey, who works as a senior reporter for KentOnline , said: "When we saw the sign, we just couldn't believe it.

"We have been so looking forward to this holiday, and to celebrate 40 years of marriage."

As well as Kefalonia, Storm Ianos smashed into neighbouring Zante, Ithaca and Lefkada before heading towards the Greek mainland.

In some areas, 20 inches of rain has fallen, leading to flash floods and damaged property and roads.

The 63-year-old gran added: "We have no power, water or internet.

"During the worst of it yesterday we were trapped in the hotel, which was flooded by six inches of water."

Efforts are being made today to get the hotel back up and running.

Despite the weather, the Rochester residents are optimistic they can enjoy the rest of their break.

Mrs Gearey said: "We thought we'd have a relaxing time, never dreaming for a second we'd be caught up in a hurricane.

"If someone had told us 40 years ago that this is how we'd be celebrating our ruby anniversary, we would have thought they were mad."

Have you been caught up in the storm? Email your details to news@thekmgroup.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Medway